From Chicago to the Netherlands: A Smooth Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Why the Netherlands Is the Perfect Escape from Chicagos Hustle

Sometimes, the best way to understand your own city is to leave it for a while. Thats exactly what I did when I flew from Chicago to the Netherlandsa country that seemed to breathe a little slower and think a little clearer. What I found wasnt just windmills and tulips, but a way of life that reminded me to pay attention to small moments.

If youre planning a trip from Chicago to the Netherlands, heres everything I learned along the waywithout the noise or the tourist fluff.

Flight Planning and Getting Your Bearings

Most travelers from Chicago fly direct to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, which is about eight hours from OHare. I booked an evening flight, which helped me sleep through part of the journey and arrive with enough energy to take on the day. The airport is modern, clean, and easy to navigate. Immigration lines move quickly, especially if youve filled out your arrival info in advance.

After landing, take a moment to rest before rushing into the city. If youre heading to Utrecht, Rotterdam, or The Hague, trains run directly from Schiphol. Theyre fast, clean, and often more comfortable than a car rental.

But if youre traveling with a suitcase, family members, or multiple destinations on your itinerary, its worth booking a local taxi. Taxi Bellen Utrecht is especially helpful for solo travelers or small families who want a relaxed, no-stress ride. For business appointments or formal travel, Taxi Utreg is a more structured choice and great for reaching meetings on time or navigating unfamiliar areas without confusion.

Where to Go Beyond Amsterdam

Its easy to spend your whole trip in Amsterdamand many do. The city is beautiful, full of art, and buzzing with life. But if youre willing to explore further, the Netherlands opens up like a novel.

Utrecht, just 30 minutes from Amsterdam, is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. Its smaller, quieter, and feels more lived-in. The canals here run below street level, creating a peaceful, tucked-away charm thats different from anywhere else. Grab a coffee along Oudegracht and youll understand why locals never want to leave.

Then theres Rotterdam, sleek and sharp, rebuilt after the war and proud of its modern edge. Architecture buffs and food lovers will find plenty herefrom the cube houses to the endless choices at the Markthal.

One of my favorite stops was Giethoorn, a village built almost entirely on water. There are no roads in the central partjust canals, footbridges, and boats. Getting there takes effort if you rely solely on trains, but a direct taxi ride makes it a comfortable day trip.

Travel Smart and Light

Packing for the Netherlands is about readiness, not fashion. Even in spring and summer, the weather can shift from sunshine to drizzle within an hour. Bring layers, a lightweight jacket, and shoes that can handle cobblestones and a surprise rainstorm.

If youre visiting during April or May, youll arrive during tulip season. While Keukenhof Gardens is worth a visit, I found the smaller, roadside fields more touching. Fewer crowds, more color, and a kind of quiet that made me stop and just look.

Public transportation is reliable and easy to use, but dont overlook how helpful a taxi can be, especially if you want to skip transfers or reach hidden spots. Booking in advance with a known service lets you explore the countryside without the stress of figuring out local transit rules mid-journey.

Understanding the Dutch Way of Life

One thing that stood out to me was how practical the Dutch are. People ride bikes in business suits, bring their own bags to the store, and dont waste words. Its a culture built on efficiency and subtlety. Dont expect over-the-top hospitality, but do expect fairness and direct communication.

Tipping is appreciated but modest. Rounding up the bill or adding a few euros is the norm. Punctuality is respected, so if you have a dinner reservation or a train to catch, show up on time.

Also, keep right on the bike lanes. This might sound obvious, but its easy to forgetuntil a cyclist zooms by with a polite yet sharp pas op!

Let Your Days Breathe

One mistake I almost made was trying to pack too much into each day. Its tempting when youre in a new country, especially one where everything is so close together. But some of my favorite memories came from doing very littlewatching boats drift through a canal, reading by the river in Haarlem, or wandering into a church when the bells began to ring.

In Chicago, we often equate movement with meaning. In the Netherlands, stillness holds its own value.

Heading Back, Carrying More Than Souvenirs

When I boarded my flight back to OHare, my luggage wasnt much heavierbut my head felt clearer. The Netherlands taught me to slow down, to notice how the light changes over rooftops, and to value quiet streets just as much as crowded squares.

If youre traveling from Chicago, know this: the Netherlands isnt just a destination. Its a pause. And sometimes, thats exactly what we need.